Alain Plattner

Alain Plattner is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Geological Sciences at the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, where he leads research in planetary and near-surface geophysics. His lab utilizes satellite magnetic data and geophysical instrumentation to study terrestrial planets and subsurface structures.

Education:

• PhD Computational Geophysics, ETH Zürich (2011)
• MS Mathematics, University of Basel (2006)
• BS Mathematics, University of Basel (2004)

Research Focus: Dr. Plattner investigates planetary interiors using magnetic field data from NASA missions (MESSENGER, MAVEN) to understand geologic history of Mercury, Mars, and Ganymede. His near-surface geophysics work employs electrical resistivity tomography and ground-penetrating radar for archaeological, hydrological, and geological applications, with field sites including Yosemite Valley and Mississippian platform mounds.

Publication Trends: His recent articles demonstrate dual expertise in planetary magnetism (87%) and near-surface methodologies (13%), with emerging focus on machine learning applications in geophysics. Core themes include crustal magnetization modeling, Slepian function development, and subsurface visualization techniques.

Research Infrastructure: Leads the Plattner Geophysics Group with equipment including:

• PulseEKKO Ultra GPR system (50/100/200 MHz)
• ABEM Terrameter LS2 resistivity/IP system
• Differential GPS
• High-performance computing resources

Advising & Funding: Mentors MS/PhD students in NASA-funded planetary research and teaching-assistantship-supported near-surface projects. Current advisees include Alyssa Mills (planetary) and Yagmur Yilmaz (near-surface), with recent graduate Marcus Pacheco (MS).